Forms: The Underappreciated pillar of Martial arts
I am a BIG advocate for forms.
In the martial art that I practice, Tae kwon do, there are 8 basic forms, plus higher-level black belt forms.
- Taeguek Il Jang – Heavens, sky
- Taeguek Yi Jang – Lake
- Taeguek Sa Jang – Fire
- Taeguek Sam Jang – Thunder
- Taeguek Oh Jang – Wind
- Taeguek Yuk Jang -Water
- Taeguek Chil Jang – Mountain
- Taeguek Pal Jang – Ground, Earth
What's the deal?
Forms get a bad rep, just like stretching, they are seen as boring, and most people don’t see the benefits of practicing and drilling forms. Forms are, by definition a set of movements, kicks, punches, and stances, that are repeated. So, I get why some may see the practice of forms to be boring, but it is the repetition of movements (Practice) that makes one better at the art after all.
I have been at schools that have been form-focused and schools that have not been. In my opinion, the form-focused schools had better overall techniques, but at the end of the day, it does depend on the martial artist and their dedication to training.
Regardless, they are important. They are as important as the technique, sparring, and internal growth that are all included in the practice of martial arts. They all set the foundation for a martial artist to be their best.
First, you are taught the techniques, then you practice it via forms, which also develop balance, coordination, and control. Then you utilize the technique in sparring, which helps to develop speed, power, and accuracy. All the pieces tie in together. Those that train ONLY forms or ONLY sparring with the technique they are taught will never be as good as the martial artist that focuses on both.
Why Train forms?
In training a form, these calculated movements are developing so much. The stances will help your balance and strength since forms do not rely on speed. They will drill a certain stance and kick usually per form. They will also help with flexibility and defining the line of the kicks you train. Training these forms will also develop muscle memory which then will translate to the rest of your training. These aspects that are developed in form training will then help you with higher-level technique and sparring.
You have to take the time to incorporate all aspects into your training. Maybe not all in the same session, but still dedicate the time. First off for yourself and your betterment as a martial artist/overall health and second as respect to the art you train, all of it is a component of the art, just picking what we like to do does not allow us to fully embrace and gain from training that martial art.
And that is the goal, to learn, to grow, to defend, and become whole.
Remember, keep kicking, and blessed be.
